The 5.7 oil leak issue is rare, but I have heard of the Toyota Mothership chipping in quietly for people out of warranty. Otherwise, these are super solid drivelines.
While used prices are high, I think they're more realistic than the Taco prices. And considering that the Taco, despite being smaller, doesn't have much of a fuel economy advantage, means a Tundra is actually a better buy.
If I were a tradesperson and needed a truck, I'd buy the best used Tundra I could afford.
I had an off road Tundra and now have an off road Tacoma. Doing exact same driving I averaged 16.4L/100ms in Tundra and now I'm at 11.9L/100 kms in the Tacoma.
That's really good economy for a Tacoma. It's a super popular truck in the climbing/skiing crowd, and most report mileage more like 14-15L/100km. The insane resale prices and Ho-hum economy have kept me from owning one. Mostly the unreal resale.
The new generation Taco has the smaller engine and a 6 speed auto. Should have no trouble getting 12L/100km combined. The old 4.0L in previous gen was thirsty but a lot more truck like. The new 3.5L has more power but it needs to be above 4,000 rpm to feel any of it and that's why a lot of people complain about the new one being "gutless" compared to the old one.
That's why I liked the 4.0 SOHC in my '06 Ranger. It didn't have much in the way of power at the top end (207 max), but it had GOBS of torque down low. It was a great truck to teach people how to drive stick on, because you basically couldn't stall the damn thing.
Anyway, getting off topic here. Back to the Tundra.
I've been looking at specs and used models, and with a 2014, the 4.6L may be the more reliable engine, but based on towing numbers, I think the 5.7 is the one to have. The 5.7L V8 has about 3000 - 3500lbs more towing capacity than the 4.6L across all trims that both engines are available in.
That is a significant difference. I'm looking at trailers that are around 5500 - 8000lb GVW. A 5500-6000lb trailer would be towable by a 4.6L Tundra, but would be pretty close to the 6500lb max tow rating. And forget about anything heavier than 6000lbs. My goal is to not be limited by weight in the 24' - 28' travel trailer class.
A 4x4 Double Cab with the 5.7L can pull 9800lbs, while a CrewMax can pull 9000lbs (rated according to SAE J2807). The 4.6L is down closer to the 6500lb range
I'm also having a hard time finding any used examples out there with the 4.6L. I think with the Double Cab and CrewMax (which are the two cabs I'd be looking at), the 5.7L was waaay more popular than the 4.6L.